Accutane 120 Mg!

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Okay so I've been on accutane for 5 and a half months. The first month i was on 40 mg everyday and by the end was starting to clear up, for the next two months my doctor bumped me up to 60 mg , and by month 4 i was on 80 mg, for months 4 and half of five i was very clear and was stoked on my accutane and how it was working, however by the end of month 5 i went on an overseas trip for a week and unfortunately missed out on two weeks of dosage, i didn't breakout too bad but my moderate acne had came back so at my next trip to the derm she decided to put me on 120 mg everyday, and im positive that , that is an intense dosage especially since im only 5'9 and 140 pounds! im pretty sure that's twice the maximum dosage for me! but my acne has cleared up again despite a small breakout which i think was a result of the upped dosage, so my biggest concern here is whether or not the acne will come back as soon as i finish my 6th month! i mean i didn't put up with hell and have been a fuckin vampire for the last 5 months and conjured up some depressing thoughts just for my acne to come back as soon as i get off it! please can someone give me their opinions on whether my acne will return? or what factors contribute to the possibility of it coming back? I'm 15 , if that's a contributing factor I'm still unsure.

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well i mean i'm half way through the last month taking 120 mg and i haven't experienced any unusual side effects and its my last month so i think i should be fine! just still curious on if this high dose will cause my acne to come back

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yes if it were me I would make sure to watch my blood work like a hawk. I personally wouldn't be comfortable with a dose that high. But I wasn't comfortable with 80 mg per day either. I'm currently on 60. But I also think you're so young and younger bodies seem to be more resilient and able to deal with more.

Good luck.

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Interests: finished taking Roaccutane December 2010.
Takin this drug has been the worst decision I have ever made and I have regretted it every day since.
Doseage: 60:40 mg alternating daily for 11/12 months
Sideffects:None till course was over.
Now - SEVERE dry/brittle hair.
HAIRLOSS - lost at least 70% and continues...acne came back in July, worse than I ever suffered from it. I now have back, chest, neck & cheeks that are covered.
So now Im bone dry with no natural hydration with horrific acne. As a 31 YO woman with now destroyed skin & hair.
My side effects include: Chronic Dry mouth
Severe dry,tight,dehydrated, ashy,mottled,discolored (yellow & red),wrinkled,scarred poorly healing skin
Facial fat atrophy - fatloss. Hollow eyes & cheeks

Get a new doctor and report your current doctor to the medical board - there is no safe way to be taking a dosage that high and there is absolutely no need for it. doctors are completley irresponsible and are NOT looking out for your best interests regarding your long term health.

Do some research on how low dose treatment like 20 mg's twice a week has the exact same result as a typical 40 mg per day dosage.

Also - cumulative dosage means nothing. If you have a hormonal imbalance your acne will return anyway.

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The biggest problem with taking a high dose are the severity of the usual side effects of Isotretinoin- dry skin/lips/eyes, eczema, nosebleeds etc.

The blood tests are actually there because a minority of patients are hypersensitive to the drug which is obviously dangerous- but for most, the tests return only slight changes of liver enzymes & triglyceride levels, and a toxic dose for most people is much higher than would ever be prescribed.

That's from my Derm anyway.

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Isn't it weight based?? I am prescribed 1mg/kg/day, but am overweight. So my dose is a total of 90mg/day. Today is my first day taking it, but I am confused by the "that is way too much" chatter. Can someone clarify, please? I am a nurse and drugs are frequently titrated per weight. Most literature that I have read regarding accutane states that 1mg/kg/day has the most positive results and the least risk for the acne to return. Anyone have some literature to present that states that it should not be weight based dosed or includes high limit doses?? Thanks. I am now concerned.

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Okay so I've been on accutane for 5 and a half months. The first month i was on 40 mg everyday and by the end was starting to clear up, for the next two months my doctor bumped me up to 60 mg , and by month 4 i was on 80 mg, for months 4 and half of five i was very clear and was stoked on my accutane and how it was working, however by the end of month 5 i went on an overseas trip for a week and unfortunately missed out on two weeks of dosage, i didn't breakout too bad but my moderate acne had came back so at my next trip to the derm she decided to put me on 120 mg everyday, and im positive that , that is an intense dosage especially since im only 5'9 and 140 pounds! im pretty sure that's twice the maximum dosage for me! but my acne has cleared up again despite a small breakout which i think was a result of the upped dosage, so my biggest concern here is whether or not the acne will come back as soon as i finish my 6th month! i mean i didn't put up with hell and have been a fuckin vampire for the last 5 months and conjured up some depressing thoughts just for my acne to come back as soon as i get off it! please can someone give me their opinions on whether my acne will return? or what factors contribute to the possibility of it coming back? I'm 15 , if that's a contributing factor I'm still unsure.

I never heard such a high dosage you will take( 120mg/day),,,,,,,,i am 55kg and i only take 20mg-30mg everyday,,,,i think it arounds the safe line-0.5mg/kg/day,,,,,,but 120mg for you that is 2mg/kg!

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thats really high, 120mg probably the highest i have ever heard. I've heard of the bad stuff happening around 80mg or so. I was told i would clear on 20mg, and maybe MAX 30mg but i am 5'2 and about 120ish pounds or 55kg but, be careful. You might not suffer now but maybe 1,2, 3 months down the line or maybe even 1 year.

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Dosages that high are reserved for people who have severe nodulocystic acne, conglobata, severe truncal acne. My derm said I might have to build up to that dose (but doubts it), and I'm quite scared of it but so far at 4 months, I have seen literally no change in the nodules and cysts on my face. Low dosages (.5mg/kg) work for regular acne, which is most people.

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Isn't it weight based?? I am prescribed 1mg/kg/day, but am overweight. So my dose is a total of 90mg/day. Today is my first day taking it, but I am confused by the "that is way too much" chatter. Can someone clarify, please? I am a nurse and drugs are frequently titrated per weight. Most literature that I have read regarding accutane states that 1mg/kg/day has the most positive results and the least risk for the acne to return. Anyone have some literature to present that states that it should not be weight based dosed or includes high limit doses?? Thanks. I am now concerned.

Doesn't matter about dosage when it comes to acne returning..... do a search on the board you'll find many who's acne returned and if yours is due to hormones, well hormones aren't cured by accutane, in fact in some can make hormonal problems worse. As for be concerned I'd be more concerned about the side effects listed. People have had issues with as little as 20mg! Good Luck!

The secret of health for both mind & body

is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.

The Buddha

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Okay so I've been on accutane for 5 and a half months. The first month i was on 40 mg everyday and by the end was starting to clear up, for the next two months my doctor bumped me up to 60 mg , and by month 4 i was on 80 mg, for months 4 and half of five i was very clear and was stoked on my accutane and how it was working, however by the end of month 5 i went on an overseas trip for a week and unfortunately missed out on two weeks of dosage, i didn't breakout too bad but my moderate acne had came back so at my next trip to the derm she decided to put me on 120 mg everyday, and im positive that , that is an intense dosage especially since im only 5'9 and 140 pounds! im pretty sure that's twice the maximum dosage for me! but my acne has cleared up again despite a small breakout which i think was a result of the upped dosage, so my biggest concern here is whether or not the acne will come back as soon as i finish my 6th month! i mean i didn't put up with hell and have been a fuckin vampire for the last 5 months and conjured up some depressing thoughts just for my acne to come back as soon as i get off it! please can someone give me their opinions on whether my acne will return? or what factors contribute to the possibility of it coming back? I'm 15 , if that's a contributing factor I'm still unsure.

This is standard practice. My derm said the exact same thing today. Standard is 1mg/kg/day. If someone has a return after their first course, than it is standard to administer 1.5-2mg/kg/day.

I feel it is important to stay in touch with research and evidenced based practice. This forum is extremely helpful, however, it is just a forum with anonymous posters. You should trust the expert, your dermatologist, and if you don't, you should get a new one.

Isn't it weight based?? I am prescribed 1mg/kg/day, but am overweight. So my dose is a total of 90mg/day. Today is my first day taking it, but I am confused by the "that is way too much" chatter. Can someone clarify, please? I am a nurse and drugs are frequently titrated per weight. Most literature that I have read regarding accutane states that 1mg/kg/day has the most positive results and the least risk for the acne to return. Anyone have some literature to present that states that it should not be weight based dosed or includes high limit doses?? Thanks. I am now concerned.

Doesn't matter about dosage when it comes to acne returning..... do a search on the board you'll find many who's acne returned and if yours is due to hormones, well hormones aren't cured by accutane, in fact in some can make hormonal problems worse. As for be concerned I'd be more concerned about the side effects listed. People have had issues with as little as 20mg! Good Luck!

Thanks for your insight. However, I was hoping for scholarly literature.

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Okay so I've been on accutane for 5 and a half months. The first month i was on 40 mg everyday and by the end was starting to clear up, for the next two months my doctor bumped me up to 60 mg , and by month 4 i was on 80 mg, for months 4 and half of five i was very clear and was stoked on my accutane and how it was working, however by the end of month 5 i went on an overseas trip for a week and unfortunately missed out on two weeks of dosage, i didn't breakout too bad but my moderate acne had came back so at my next trip to the derm she decided to put me on 120 mg everyday, and im positive that , that is an intense dosage especially since im only 5'9 and 140 pounds! im pretty sure that's twice the maximum dosage for me! but my acne has cleared up again despite a small breakout which i think was a result of the upped dosage, so my biggest concern here is whether or not the acne will come back as soon as i finish my 6th month! i mean i didn't put up with hell and have been a fuckin vampire for the last 5 months and conjured up some depressing thoughts just for my acne to come back as soon as i get off it! please can someone give me their opinions on whether my acne will return? or what factors contribute to the possibility of it coming back? I'm 15 , if that's a contributing factor I'm still unsure.

This is standard practice. My derm said the exact same thing today. Standard is 1mg/kg/day. If someone has a return after their first course, than it is standard to administer 1.5-2mg/kg/day.

I feel it is important to stay in touch with research and evidenced based practice. This forum is extremely helpful, however, it is just a forum with anonymous posters. You should trust the expert, your dermatologist, and if you don't, you should get a new one.

>

Isn't it weight based?? I am prescribed 1mg/kg/day, but am overweight. So my dose is a total of 90mg/day. Today is my first day taking it, but I am confused by the "that is way too much" chatter. Can someone clarify, please? I am a nurse and drugs are frequently titrated per weight. Most literature that I have read regarding accutane states that 1mg/kg/day has the most positive results and the least risk for the acne to return. Anyone have some literature to present that states that it should not be weight based dosed or includes high limit doses?? Thanks. I am now concerned.

Doesn't matter about dosage when it comes to acne returning..... do a search on the board you'll find many who's acne returned and if yours is due to hormones, well hormones aren't cured by accutane, in fact in some can make hormonal problems worse. As for be concerned I'd be more concerned about the side effects listed. People have had issues with as little as 20mg! Good Luck!

Thanks for your insight. However, I was hoping for scholarly literature.

Acutally you can find scholarly studies online regarding low dose treatment vs high dose! U.S. are notroius for high doses and you find people on here who cleared up on low doses without severe long term side effects I could look up from my husbands acess who is a phyisican (should of been smart and used that before I took such a harsh drug I wouldn't be where I am today) but it won't be for a few days However, they are out there! Good Luck If accutane doesn't work the first time, don't do a second course unless you have the severe acne congblata etc.. that it is acutally designed for and that is documented in you rx information!

Good Luck

The secret of health for both mind & body

is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.

The Buddha

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I guess I leave this thread with this " We simply assume, that doctors have a personal responsiblity. They are specialists, who have the information either in thier head or they know where to find it" Andres Schneider, Swissmedic

You have to be an advocate for your own health, If you get a permanent damage/side effect, you have to live with it!, It is way over prescribe and really only for severe acne congblata and servere skin diseases. There is no scholarly studies, it comes straight from Roche and the inventor themselves.

Like I said my derm gave me a 100mg for 1 month weighing only 120pds and telling me that accutane only causes dry skin and not to take to much thought in the rx info on side effects...but instead it killed my pancreas and well now I have hormonal acne!

You can find on this board and others of people taking it 3 times and thier acne comes back, if any doctor tells accutane is a cure all for acne then find a new derm as many will disagree with that!

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The secret of health for both mind & body

is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.

The Buddha

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Get a new doctor and report your current doctor to the medical board - there is no safe way to be taking a dosage that high and there is absolutely no need for it. doctors are completley irresponsible and are NOT looking out for your best interests regarding your long term health.

Do some research on how low dose treatment like 20 mg's twice a week has the exact same result as a typical 40 mg per day dosage.

Also - cumulative dosage means nothing. If you have a hormonal imbalance your acne will return anyway.

hi, I completely agree with both livetoregret and oli girl...not only is the dosage youre taking extremely high, even the lowest possible dose (10 mg) was toxic for me. I took accutane 1 month and I had horrible cracked lips, nosebleeds and depression so severe I was suicidal.

Why this is on the market yet is a mystery to us all.

My advise is just STOP, Im not going to lie, you may have done some damage already so why keep it up? My husband took accutane when he was 17, the 'standard" dose, not only did he get acne back a few years later, he also got IBS, chronic dry eye and possibly arthritis. He suggested I NOT take accutane but I did, and he and my son nearly lost me. I should have listened. My mother had acne most of her life, but back in the 70s they didnt know how to treat it well--she just piled on heavy make-up and now has indented scarring. She never realized the cause, which she passed down to mee, either too much DHT or being very sensative to the normal amount.

Acne IS hormonal at its cause. The only thing which cleared my acne after 20 effing years was pretty simple: yaz birth control. Saw palmetto and spearmint also lower the real cause, DHT.

People have taken accutane 2, 3, 4 times, why? Because the acne comes back. Dont kill your health for a year or possibly two of clear skin, only to be crushed when your oil returns.

Just my input.

Higher doses have lower remission rates, so your acne is actually much less likely to come back.

Don't worry about the high dose as long as your blood tests come back ok, and you can deal with the side effects.

I hate to rain on your parade, but a) most people's acne returns at some point within 3-5 years no matter what the dosage, and b) sure your blood tests may be fine (mine were) but that doesnt mean you wont have to deal with terrible possible side effects 5,10 or 15 years down the line. Plus acne. Id stop if I were you, but its your life. If I sound cynical, forgive me, I took 10 mg of accutane for one month and tried to kill myself. I care more about a persons life than the state of their skin.

Why do you assume that some derm cares so much about your well-being? How many drugs are taken off the market every year for killing people? When I was prescribed accutane by my very affable, smiling derm, he assured me that very few people get serious side effects, accutane has an unfairly poor reputation, and Im not the type to get depressed. Exactly one month after taking my first pill, I had a gun pointed at myself because I was extremely depressed from this drug. If I would have died, would he have felt bad? probably for a bit...and then keep on prescribing his patients accutane.

Each one of us is responsible for our own health, we pay doctors and hope they know what the hell they are doing.

Ive been misdiagnosed with various symptoms 4 times in the past 2 years, by DOCTORS who think they know everything.

Do you know what they call the guy who failed his med boards 5 times, and graduated last in the class?

"Doctor".

Wake up and smell the roses dear, doctors are not God (though a lot of them think they are...)

Amazing the amount of people on these boards that know better than dermatologists!

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Get a new doctor and report your current doctor to the medical board - there is no safe way to be taking a dosage that high and there is absolutely no need for it. doctors are completley irresponsible and are NOT looking out for your best interests regarding your long term health.

Do some research on how low dose treatment like 20 mg's twice a week has the exact same result as a typical 40 mg per day dosage.

Also - cumulative dosage means nothing. If you have a hormonal imbalance your acne will return anyway.

hi, I completely agree with both livetoregret and oli girl...not only is the dosage youre taking extremely high, even the lowest possible dose (10 mg) was toxic for me. I took accutane 1 month and I had horrible cracked lips, nosebleeds and depression so severe I was suicidal.

Why this is on the market yet is a mystery to us all.

My advise is just STOP, Im not going to lie, you may have done some damage already so why keep it up? My husband took accutane when he was 17, the 'standard" dose, not only did he get acne back a few years later, he also got IBS, chronic dry eye and possibly arthritis. He suggested I NOT take accutane but I did, and he and my son nearly lost me. I should have listened. My mother had acne most of her life, but back in the 70s they didnt know how to treat it well--she just piled on heavy make-up and now has indented scarring. She never realized the cause, which she passed down to mee, either too much DHT or being very sensative to the normal amount.

Acne IS hormonal at its cause. The only thing which cleared my acne after 20 effing years was pretty simple: yaz birth control. Saw palmetto and spearmint also lower the real cause, DHT.

People have taken accutane 2, 3, 4 times, why? Because the acne comes back. Dont kill your health for a year or possibly two of clear skin, only to be crushed when your oil returns.

Just my input.

>Higher doses have lower remission rates, so your acne is actually much less likely to come back.

Don't worry about the high dose as long as your blood tests come back ok, and you can deal with the side effects.

I hate to rain on your parade, but a) most people's acne returns at some point within 3-5 years no matter what the dosage, and b) sure your blood tests may be fine (mine were) but that doesnt mean you wont have to deal with terrible possible side effects 5,10 or 15 years down the line. Plus acne. Id stop if I were you, but its your life. If I sound cynical, forgive me, I took 10 mg of accutane for one month and tried to kill myself. I care more about a persons life than the state of their skin.

Why do you assume that some derm cares so much about your well-being? How many drugs are taken off the market every year for killing people? When I was prescribed accutane by my very affable, smiling derm, he assured me that very few people get serious side effects, accutane has an unfairly poor reputation, and Im not the type to get depressed. Exactly one month after taking my first pill, I had a gun pointed at myself because I was extremely depressed from this drug. If I would have died, would he have felt bad? probably for a bit...and then keep on prescribing his patients accutane.

Each one of us is responsible for our own health, we pay doctors and hope they know what the hell they are doing.

Ive been misdiagnosed with various symptoms 4 times in the past 2 years, by DOCTORS who think they know everything.

Do you know what they call the guy who failed his med boards 5 times, and graduated last in the class?

"Doctor".

Wake up and smell the roses dear, doctors are not God (though a lot of them think they are...)

Amazing the amount of people on these boards that know better than dermatologists!

Thanks for re-iterating my point, that you so kindly quoted at the bottom from 2 months ago there